Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Red Tribal Heart Necklace





Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.


* Multi-strands, comprised of new and vintage cotton salvaged from a sundress

* Top coil: Measures about 22" long from clasp to clasp
* Bottom coil:  Measures about 27" long from clasp to clasp

*hand-stitching, hand-beaded

* 1 fabric strip and 2 round coils, 1  accented with beads and a red heart-shaped rabies vaccine charm (the charm is new and has never been used by any furry friends).

* toggle heart-shaped clasp


* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.


* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   
 Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with fibers, stitching, beads, buttons, charms, & a shell.  Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  
 
I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

You Can't Have My Cornbread




Thursday, May 26, 2016

Your Dreams Fall Apart




Sometimes a dream falls apart and falters because of who you’re with, who is around you, and who is in your circle.
Even our family members and friends can be a drain and a detriment to what we’re building.  In Genesis 12:1, the Lord said to Abraham. “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.”  Sometimes, the blessings that God wants to give you aren’t for those who are in your current situation.
Some people shouldn’t even be in the room when you discuss your plans.  Their negative energy, doubts, and criticism don’t nurture your dream.  Everyone can’t be a part of building your dream.  Some people have no vision. Some people are too afraid to dream.  Dream building can get messy and can be tedious.  Most times it’s not an overnight process.  It takes time and everyone doesn’t have enough faith and patience to see it through with you.
Sometimes you’ll find that the people in your life have no problem with dreaming, unless it’s you.  Anybody off the street can dream. Famous people can dream, but not you.  And if they do give you permission to dream, they don’t think you should be dreaming so big.  Leave those big dreams for the really important people.  Why don’t you bite off something a bit more manageable?  Just be more realistic.
When you’re dreaming, you need people who have vision and courage.  You need people who know that it’s okay to dare to dream. You need people who believe in possibilities, who can look past now, and see something beautiful on the horizon.
I’ve said it and heard it said many times. Your dream has no deadline.  I don’t care if you’re 30, 40 or 50 years old. Unless you hear the Lord say no- then keep marching.  Keep believing.  Keep preparing.  Keep putting forth effort toward your goals.
And always stay on the lookout for anyone who seems to pose a threat to what you’re trying to accomplish.  Ask the Lord to show you who should be in your life and who you should let go.  When the Lord shows you what you need to see, don’t be afraid. Step out in faith with Christ and you’ll be just fine.  The Lord knows best and wants what’s best for you.  So, if He tells you it isn’t a good idea for certain people to tag along on your journey, believe Him and be obedient. 

Remember, I believe in you because I believe in who made you. 

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday for something new.

My book The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available on Amazon. I hope you'll get a copy and share this post with other women of faith.  

Thank you for stopping by.  Many blessings and love to you. 

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Don't Feel Bad


Don't allow anyone to make you feel bad about where you are in life.  Focus on everything you have right now and where God is taking you.

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My book The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available now on Amazon.  Get a copy and share this with other women of faith.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

5 Ways to Show Your Spouse Appreciation



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Friday, May 13, 2016

Room for What Inspires You

Most of us have to make a living in this world. There are few, if any, ways for us to avoid the responsibilities and requirements of breathing on planet Earth.
Most of us have at least five entities in our pockets reaching for their portion of our money.  The mortgage companies, leasing offices, power companies, credit card companies, grocery stores, and governments could care less about the quality of your life or the dominion God has already given to you.  Their bottom line stays strong and shines when we’re in full acceptance of the status quo.  They don’t want you to grow and change because it may threaten their grip and control over you.  Think of the sacrifice of time you dedicate to your financial obligations.  Then ask yourself if what you’re receiving is worth what you’re giving.
While we’re living for the weekend, six weeks of maternity leave, planning our little two-week vacation, calling in sick just to have me-time, and counting down the years until retirement, someone is free to be, to think, to plan, to rest, and to breathe.  They are free to be free.
How are their rights greater than yours?  Are they more-deserving than the rest of us?  Most of us can’t just walk away from our lives.  Most of us can’t instantly take our circumstances and make a complete U-turn into the lap of freedom.  Our responsibilities are just too deep and long-standing.  We can’t just change our minds.  Many of our commitments carry penalties for cancellations. We’ve had to make promises and sign in blood, but no one has to promise us anything.  No one carries any responsibilities to us.
In the face of all these facts and the current life choices on our plates, we can get back to what inspires us. We are responsible to what inspires us.
Let’s make room for our dreams.  Your spirit knows what it wants…needs actually.  As adults, we have been taught to make paying bills a priority.  I’ve heard, “It’s what adults do” in many conversations.  For some, it seems to be the only badge of adulthood.  Paying bills. We receive bills in the mail and are then prompted to receive electronic notices.  You know, to save the trees, the rain forest, and the planet… and mailing costs for the companies.  We write due dates and amounts down on calendars, to do lists, dry erase boards, and post them on our fridges.  We call to make payment arrangements.  We have financial meetings with our spouses.  Sometimes we argue about bills.  There’s no doubt about it. Bills have a dedicated place in our lives.  
Reaching for our dreams – if just a little every day, should be a priority as well.  Don’t let your priorities stop you from setting goals. Don’t let the fear of criticism stop you or dampen your enthusiasm.  If you have to travel alone, enjoy the journey.  Take your “I always wanted to” and create a life that will make you proud that you tried.  Fill the free moments of your life with what thrills you, what makes you smile.

God has blessed each of us with a special gift, calling or talent.  What has He instructed you to do?  You have light to share with the world.  Make room for it.  Offer respect according to its significance and value.  Have conversations about it.  Strategize for and prioritize it.  Make to-do lists in honor of it.  Yearn for it.  Seek it out now like today is your last day.  Dare to believe in it first.  That’s what adults do.  In time, God will send quality people who will believe in it too.  

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The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available now on Amazon.